What are the definitions of “kick out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Expel.
The family KICKED the au pair OUT when they found out that she was planning to move to work for another household.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “kick out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb kick out is to expel or force someone to leave a place, group, or organization. It often implies that the person being kicked out has done something wrong or unacceptable.
What are the different verb forms of “kick out”?
| Root Verb | kick out |
| Third Person Singular Present | kicks out |
| Present Participle | kicking out |
| Simple Past | kicked out |
| Past Participle | kicked out |
Example
The teacher decided to kick out the disruptive student from the class.
Example
The club kicks out members who break the rules.
Example
The landlord is kicking out the tenants who haven't paid their rent.
Example
They kicked out the troublemaker from the party last night.
Example
The player was kicked out of the team for poor behavior.
What kind of phrasal verb is “kick out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“kick out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The school kicked out the student for cheating.
Example
The manager kicked the employee out for stealing.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“kick out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The school kicked out the student for cheating.
Example
The manager kicked the employee out for stealing.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “kick out”?
Good things to know
Does “kick out” have an informal or formal tone?
Kick out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'expel,' 'remove,' or 'dismiss' may be more appropriate.